Well-known celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe immediately come to mind when talking about icons.
Hepburn was widely admired for her iconic style and great fashion taste while Monroe was considered one of the most iconic figures in the history due to her bombshell personality and famous blond hair.
Icons are those who made a substantial distinction and positive impact on a measurable scale. They possess unrivaled talent and have the perfect storm of fearlessness, passion, and drive.
Davao business leader Joji Ilagan-Bian has what it takes to be an icon.
Bian has worked resolutely for over 45 years advocating people empowerment through commerce, education, and skills training that provided jobs and business opportunities.
So, it is not surprising that she was chosen among the “legendary” personalities to be featured in the Iconic Pinoy Maharlika First Collector’s Edition Book along with other Filipino global achievers.
The coffee table book, which was launched in Dubai on December 16, 2023, intends to promote the Philippines’ iconic journey, particularly of Filipinos who have contributed a lot to the country.
“They got a nominee for a country and like a panel of judges and resource persons based in Dubai who did some research also. They call it vetted. Seguro sa atin its someone nominated you. Some of the nominees are mostly from Manila,” Bian said.
Her life as a wife, mother, educator, business leader, and community worker are underscored in the book entitled “Advocacy For People Empowerment.”
“I think it’s because my journey was multifaceted. I have many advocacies – in business, education, politics, and spiritual development featured the journey. These are different advocacies which are very empowering at the same time,” Bian said.
Icon in education
Her entrepreneurial journey in education has continually propelled various entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams. From a two-classroom school in 1980, she extended her Joji Ilagan International Schools to five schools offering early childhood education to baccalaureate degrees.
She committed to developing the potential of the youth, molding their minds, and changing their lives through education.
Industry icon
Bian has worked with Muslim and Christian women, influencing them and ingraining in them an entrepreneurial mindset.
As a woman business leader, she was also featured in the Go Negosyo book: “55 Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs”.
Bian is a trustee of the Mindanao Business Council, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), East ASEAN Business Council, and Mindanao Commission of Women.
The book also highlighted her other accolades including one of the 100 Most Influential Women of the World in 2017; the ASEAN Women Network as One of the Most Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs in 2018; Outstanding Australian Alumni in 2018; and Asian Phil Heroes for 2022.
“As a young business leader, I focused on education. I have many advocacies, diversified. I have experience in women’s empowerment and education. I have experience in politics and spiritual empowerment,” she said.
For 45 years, she has demonstrated a strong track record of community involvement in business, politics, education, civic, and religious activities.
“In my journey, I have met many persons who were able to influence and inspire me along the way. I am the type of person who is very strong in networking and I go beyond my comfort zones, go beyond my own circle of friends, and as I know them I also become inspired by their advocacies,” she said.
She was awarded the Patnubay Award by a non-governmental organization for her reliable work in giving free skills training and grants at the grassroots level.
Bian was also one of the youngest recipients of the Datu Bago Award in Business and Education for her contributions to the growth and development of business and education in Davao City.
Datu Bago Award is the highest award given by the city government of Davao.
Fashion icon
Bian was also conferred as one of the Philippines Best Dressed Women in 2021.
For Bian, the book is a recognition of all her efforts and a manifestation that she has already achieved so much and can always look back and celebrate the moments and the milestones.
She is wearing many hats simultaneously yet she can balance all the roles as a mom, wife, and grandmother.
“For me personally, I feel gratified and satisfied. I think the Iconic Maharlika book is a reflection of what I was and what I am today. For so many years in my life, I have devoted myself to working with communities, and different sectors. At this point I can look back and say I have lived a life that is worth living and that I have left a deeper footprint in the sand,” she said.
